Boxer Harry Garside may be BANNED from Australian Olympic team after allegedly assaulting ex-girlfriend in domestic violence incident
- Harry Garside may be banned from Aussie Olympic team
- Boxer is accused of assaulting his ex-girlfriend
- If convicted, Garside would be breaking AOC rules
Boxer and reality TV star Harry Garside could be banned from the Australian team for next year’s Paris Olympics after allegedly assaulting his ex-girlfriend Ash Ruscoe.
Garside, 25, was arrested at Sydney International Airport on Tuesday as he returned to Australia from filming the reality TV series I’m A Celebrity…Get Me Out Of Here.
The Olympic bronze medalist is accused of committing domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend, Ash Ruscoe, on March 1 at a property in Bondi.
Garside won the bronze medal for Australia at the 2020 Toyko Olympics and plans to compete in the 2024 Paris Olympics – which could present the AOC with a very difficult decision.
No team has yet been chosen for the 2024 Paris Games, but Garside – who was the first Aussie to win an Olympic boxing medal in 33 years – looks set to be a shoo-in for selection.
Garside would be a shoo-in to make the Australian boxing team for the Paris Games if he hadn’t been attacked
The Olympic bronze medalist is accused of committing domestic violence against his ex-girlfriend Ash Ruscoe (pictured together) at a Bondi estate on March 1
However, if the talented boxer is charged, he will be in violation of the AOC’s team membership agreement, which contains strict behavioral conditions.
One of those conditions states that athletes must not, at any time, engage in any conduct (whether or not publicly known and both before and after the date of my selection) that has brought, brings, or would tend to harm me or my sport. or discredit or disapprove of my sport.”
Another condition is that team members must not be ‘convicted or charged with a serious crime involving violence, alcohol or drugs, or a sexual offence’.
A spokesperson for the AOC told News Corp: “As the matter is before the courts, it is not appropriate for the AOC to comment, except that Harry Garside has not yet qualified for the 2024 Paris Olympics – nor is he still nominated or selected. ‘
In 2008, swimmer Nick D’Arcy broke these rules by attacking Simon Cowley in a bar in Sydney and was dumped by the Beijing 2008 Olympic team.
Garside posted a statement on his Instagram page on Wednesday saying he plans to fight the charges.
“The police actions in front of the media at Sydney International Airport yesterday took me completely by surprise,” Garside said in a statement to AAP.
“I categorically deny the allegations of violence and dispute the account given to the police.
Garside won the bronze medal for Australia at the 2020 Toyko Olympics and plans to compete in Paris in 2024 – which could present the AOC with a very difficult decision
Garside (pictured after winning gold at the 2018 Commonwealth Games) posted a statement on his Instagram page on Wednesday saying he intends to fight the charges
“I have nothing to hide and will defend myself against this charge.
“The police have not been given all the facts and I am confident that my reputation will be vindicated through the legal process.
“Because the matter is before the courts, I won’t say anything more.”